GE reported Wednesday that its Marine Solutions unit signed a contract with Singapore's Sembcorp Marine Ltd. to provide the electrical part of the power and propulsion system for Heerema's new semisubmersible crane vessel (SSCV) Sleipnir, which when completed will be the world's largest crane vessel.

GE will provide technology that will be at the heart of the operations of Heerema’s new SSCV Sleipnir.

“Building a SSCV of such proportions comes with its own set of challenges. With our deep technical expertise, we’re confident of tackling these challenges and delivering a high-quality solution to enable flawless operations of the vessel,” Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions business said in the press release.

Under the deal, GE will supply 12 sets of 8-megawatt (MW) generators, eight units of 5.5-MW propulsion motors, medium-voltage switchboards, transformers and MV7000 drives to enable smooth operations onboard the vessel. The power generated from the system will position and propel the vessel and provide electricity to the vessel’s onboard systems.

The entire power system is designed for fault tolerance in accordance with Lloyds Register’s Rules (DP AAA), with advanced sensors built in to help operators monitor the health of each piece of equipment in real time and signal possible malfunctions.

“To power our newest SSCV, we wanted to collaborate with some of the best in business. In GE, we have found a partner that brings considerable experience and know-how into the project. We’re confident that their technology onboard our vessel will facilitate reliable operations,” Martijn Wijdeveld, senior project manager, Heerema Offshore Services, said in the press release.

GE will tap on its diverse supply chain to source its scope of supply for the project, with the generators, switchboards, motors and variable frequency drives being sourced from various countries in Europe. The delivery plan of GE’s scope of supply is spread between September 2016 and May 2017, with Sleipnir scheduled to be commissioned by December 2018.

The SSCV, measuring 772 feet (220 meters) long and 335 feet (102 meters) wide, will be equipped with two 10,000 ton cranes for use in offshore construction and heavy lifting.

“To build this mammoth vessel for Heerema, we’re happy to be partnering with GE. We look forward to working with GE in installing high-quality and best-in-class solutions onboard the vessel.” William Gu Wei Guang, head of Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters, said.

Sembcorp Marine was engaged by Heerema to build the SSCV in July 2015, with the engineering and construction contract worth around $1 billion.

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